Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Calls needed now: Don't mess with Social Security

Senate Democrats have the power to stop the bad deal that appears to be moving today in Washington.Can you call Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Charles Schumer and ask them: Can I count on you to do everything in your power to stop this deal if it includes the reported cuts to Social Security benefits?

Dear New York MoveOn member, I'll cut right to the chase: The fiscal deal taking shape right now isn't good. To stop it, we need to act fast.

The deal the media reports President Obama and Republican John Boehner appear close to striking includes a change to Social Security that amounts to benefit cuts "of more than 5 percent and more as the years go by."1,2 For millions of seniors living on a fixed income, that 5 percent goes to crucial medicine, food, and daily necessities. And the deal would leave in place some of the Bush Tax Cuts for the top 2% that President Obama previously promised to oppose.

The good news is that we really do have a chance at stopping this bad deal. After Democrats picked up five Senate seats in the election last month, Senate Leader Harry Reid said, "We are not going to mess with Social Security."3 If we let him and other senators know we've got their backs, we'll have a chance—but we need to act right now since final negotiations may be happening today!

Can you call Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Charles Schumer right now and ask them:

"Senate Democrats have been vocal opponents of cuts to Social Security benefits. Can I count on you to do everything in your power to stop this deal if it includes the reported cuts to Social Security benefits?"

For months, MoveOn members like you have been unified and clear about what we expect from any fiscal deal: no benefit cuts to Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security, and the wealthiest 2%—those making $250,000 or more per year—should be asked to pay the taxes they paid during the Clinton years.

The deal on the table right now meets neither of those goals, and by focusing on Senate Democrats, we have the power to stop it. Twenty-nine Senators recently signed a letter that says clearly, "we will oppose including Social Security cuts for future or current beneficiaries in any deficit reduction package.4" We need to let them know we're watching closely and we support them. Can you make a quick call right away?

Again, here's where to call:

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand Phone: (202) 224-4451

Senator Charles Schumer Phone: (202) 224-6542

Ask: "Can I count on you to do everything in your power to stop this deal if it includes the reported cuts to Social Security benefits?"

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